Rupert Murdoch's former Darling Point estate is up for grabs with $14m hopes

In the 1960s, media mogul Rupert Murdoch had a small South Australian newspaper business, and he had Sydney in his sights. After making the move to expand, he also made his first foray into Sydney's exclusive trophy home market.

Having bought The Daily Mirror tabloid from the Fairfax group in 1960, Murdoch then paid what would now be $99,000 (£55,000) in 1961 for the grand Darling Point residence known as Yarranabbe, according to Domain.

Image: Domain

The property has now returned to the market 55 years after Murdoch sold the three-level residence in 1963 to the late businessman David Crane, this time with a $14 million price guide.

Image: Domain

Yarranabbe’s origins go back to the 1840s, according to Sotheby’s Daphne Sauvage, and records show it was a waterfront property until the 1950s when it was owned by the late retailer Sir John Walton.

Image: Domain

Walton kept the front half of the block before selling to Murdoch. It was then a harbourfront tennis court which he turned into a contemporary home for himself.

That waterfront residence is now home to property developer and investor Robert Whyte.

Murdoch owned the property for only a few years, during which time he expanded the publishing house by launching the national newspaper The Australian in 1964.

Image: Domain

Murdoch sold Yarranabbe for $100,000 to the Crane family, and the six-bedroom, five-bathroom, four-garage property with a swimming pool is now on offer by Crane’s widow Sonia, to expressions of interest.

Image: Domain

The grand Victorian home showcases European architectural influences and commands uninterrupted and expansive 180 degree views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, city skyline and Sydney’s North Shore from every level.

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Period features throughout include soaring ceilings, original fireplaces, sash windows, exposed original sandstone walls, French doors and timber floorboards.

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Upstairs you'll find four spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a king-size master suite with walk-in robe and a huge terrace with sweeping harbour views.

Image: Domain

Image: Domain

A vast lower ground floor offers a versatile self-contained sixth bedroom, but could also be used as a studio apartment or nanny’s quarters.

For those interested in renovating, it could also make a nice home theatre.